By Callum Ludwig
On Tuesday 15 March 2022 a joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) will commence their hearing to advise on the controversial proposal of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project.
The hearing was ordered by the Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, who will make the final decision on the project and the IAC will consider an Environment Effects Statement (EES), the draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA), and public submissions put forward by Warburton residents and key stakeholders.
Yarra Ranges Council Project Manager for the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Matt Harrington is hopeful the area of the proposed trail that goes through the Yarra Ranges National Park is accepted, despite fierce opposition from the National Parks Australia Council (NPAC), Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) and some Warburton residents.
“If the minister makes the decision that the trials in the National Park are not viable, 30 per cent of the network is ruled out. We will still have a quality product, even if we built a 110-kilometre trail in the state forest, but it’s not going to provide the same sort of jobs and economic outcomes,” he said.
“Trail one is a product that will really define the destination, it will attract and retain international and interstate visitors. It’s unlike anything that we’ve got in the country, a 1000 metre descent over 22 to 23 kilometres, so it really sets itself apart from any other trial.”
The project has officially been in development since 2016, with $11.3 million worth of funding secured in 2019 for the majority of the trail, while going through Mt Donna Buang is currently unfunded and won’t be until at least after the hearing.
The trail is set to incorporate and repurpose small illegal trails that were developed up to over a decade ago, making them safer and reducing their environmental impact by following proper construction practices.
Mr Harrington said the proposed trail is aiming to be a certified gold standard ride centre, of which they are only six in the world. Gold standard trails are judged not only on the quality of the trail but of the facilities surrounding it.
“Gold standard trails must have 160 plus kilometres of dedicated mountain bike trail, including trails suitable for everyone from beginner to the extreme level. We’re also delivering car parking, toilets, and all of the infrastructure that’s needed to support the riders that come up here,” he said
“We’ve not shied away from the fact that we want to be gold standard, we want to be world-class. Everything that we do along that journey needs to make that standard, including the highest environmental protection.”
Two starkly-contrasting sides have been created by the proposed project, with the mountain biker community and local businesses that are supported by tourism forming the bulk of an enthusiastic side, while NPAC, VNPA, and multiple residents of areas like Old Warburton are against the development.
The EES will prove to be the key to how the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination progresses, which started last year, and will be used to evaluate the evidence presented by stakeholders that support or oppose the project’s impact on the environment, particularly on the Yarra Ranges National Park.
1.87 kilometres of the proposed trail will intersect fragile cool temperate rainforest, and whether or not this section of the trail can be constructed without a significant environmental impact is likely to determine whether the trail will be a 177-kilometre or approximately 110 kilometres by dropping Stage 1 altogether.
The removal of vegetation, particularly potential habitat of endangered wildlife such as the Leadbeater’s Possum and the Mount Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly are key concerns.
The hearing will be held largely over public video conference, with details on how to join soon to be on the Engage Victoria website.
Engage Victoria has and will continue to have all documents tabled as part of the hearing available to the public.
